Crustaceans vs. Molluscs: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 18, 2023
Crustaceans are hard-shelled arthropods like crabs, while molluscs are a diverse group with soft bodies, often housed in shells, such as snails.
Key Differences
Crustaceans, belonging to the arthropod group, include familiar sea-dwelling creatures like crabs and lobsters. Molluscs, comprising another vast invertebrate group, encompass various creatures including snails, clams, and squids.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Crustaceans universally display exoskeletons, which they molt in order to grow. In contrast, molluscs might present external shells (snails), internal shells (squid), or no shell at all (slugs).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
The bodily structure of crustaceans is segmented, typically showcasing jointed limbs and a distinct head, thorax, and abdomen. Molluscs exhibit a soft, unsegmented body, often with a muscular foot and specialized mantle.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Crustaceans commonly dwell in aquatic habitats, showcasing gills for underwater respiration. Alternatively, molluscs inhabit diverse environments, including terrestrial regions, and exhibit varied respiratory systems.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
While crustaceans predominantly portray predatory or scavenging feeding habits, molluscs can be herbivores, carnivores, filter feeders, or detritivores, indicating a wide range of ecological roles and feeding strategies.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Body Structure
Segmented, with an exoskeleton.
Generally unsegmented with possible shells.
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Nov 17, 2023
Reproduction
Many have separate sexes.
Can be separate sexes or hermaphroditic.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 17, 2023
Economic Value
Highly valued in fisheries (e.g., shrimp).
Diverse use: food, pearls, and pet trade.
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Nov 17, 2023
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Crustaceans and Molluscs Definitions
Crustaceans
Organisms belonging to the subphylum Crustacea.
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans.
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Oct 09, 2023
Molluscs
Animals within the phylum Mollusca, displaying varied forms.
Squids and octopuses are molluscs with highly developed eyes.
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Oct 09, 2023
Crustaceans
A term used to categorize various shellfish species.
The biologist studies various crustaceans in marine habitats.
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Oct 09, 2023
Molluscs
Organisms that may be gastropods, bivalves, or cephalopods.
Different molluscs like oysters are cultivated for pearls.
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Oct 09, 2023
Crustaceans
Creatures often associated with hard, external shells.
Crabs, as crustaceans, possess protective hard shells.
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Oct 09, 2023
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Molluscs
Invertebrates, often with a soft body and sometimes a shell.
Snails, as molluscs, carry a coiled shell on their back.
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Oct 09, 2023
Crustaceans
Entities known for their segmented bodies and jointed limbs.
Crustaceans usually molt their exoskeleton to grow.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Molluscs
Entities often recognized for their non-segmented bodies.
Molluscs like clams filter-feed from their aquatic homes.
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Oct 09, 2023
Crustaceans
Aquatic arthropods, typically with an exoskeleton.
Crustaceans, such as lobsters, are popular seafood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Molluscs
Creatures sometimes utilized for culinary purposes.
Some molluscs, like scallops, are considered delicacies.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Molluscs
Any of numerous chiefly marine invertebrates of the phylum Mollusca, typically having a soft unsegmented body, a mantle, and a protective calcareous shell, and including the snails, clams, and squids.
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Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
Are crustaceans invertebrates?
Yes, crustaceans are invertebrates, lacking a backbone and having an exoskeleton.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
What is the common habitat for molluscs?
Molluscs inhabit a variety of environments including freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats.
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Nov 17, 2023
What is the primary mode of locomotion for crustaceans?
Crustaceans commonly move using their jointed legs and may also swim using swimmerets.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
What do crustaceans eat?
Crustaceans have varied diets, including plankton, detritus, and small animals, depending on the species.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Do all crustaceans have shells?
All crustaceans have exoskeletons, which are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "shells".
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Nov 17, 2023
How do molluscs reproduce?
Mollusc reproduction varies: some have separate sexes, while others are hermaphrodites, and they may lay eggs or bear live young.
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Nov 17, 2023
Are all molluscs slow movers like snails?
No, not all molluscs are slow; for instance, squids and octopuses can move quite rapidly.
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
What is the largest mollusc?
The giant squid, reaching lengths up to 43 feet, is the largest known mollusc.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is a squid a mollusc?
Yes, a squid is a mollusc, specifically categorized within the cephalopod class.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
What is molting in crustaceans?
Molting is the shedding of the old exoskeleton and the formation of a new, larger one as crustaceans grow.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Do molluscs have eyes?
Yes, many molluscs have eyes, which can be quite complex and developed, especially in cephalopods like squids.
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
How do crustaceans breathe?
Crustaceans typically breathe through gills, which extract oxygen from water.
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Nov 17, 2023
Do molluscs have a nervous system?
Yes, molluscs have a nervous system; cephalopods, like octopuses, possess notably complex nervous systems.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Are crustaceans used in human consumption?
Yes, various crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp are popular in culinary contexts worldwide.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Are there freshwater crustaceans?
Yes, there are freshwater crustaceans, such as crayfish and certain shrimp species.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Can molluscs be harmful to humans?
Some molluscs, like certain cone snails, can be harmful due to their venomous stings.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
What is the primary difference in the body structure between crustaceans and molluscs?
Crustaceans have segmented bodies with an exoskeleton, while molluscs typically have a soft, unsegmented body, which may or may not be encased in a shell.
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
What is the economic importance of molluscs?
Molluscs have significant economic value in fisheries, aquaculture (e.g., oysters for pearls and consumption), and in some regions, as pests.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
How do molluscs defend themselves?
Molluscs utilize various defense mechanisms like retreating into their shells, burrowing, or employing camouflage and/or toxins.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 17, 2023
Can crustaceans feel pain?
The understanding of pain perception in crustaceans is still under scientific debate, with studies and legislations varying globally.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
